East End Elementary News
September 19, 2022
Dear East End Families,
We are very excited about the upcoming week at East End! It is going to be great to welcome everyone back to our first Open House since the 2019-2020 school year. Here are a few highlights of our week:
Open House and Grandparents’ Night will be this Tuesday, September 20th, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Parents, grandparents, guardians and guests are all invited to school to visit the classrooms, see the teacher, and get a chance to see the great work our students are doing. Three of our teachers have obligations off campus and will not be at Open House, but will have their rooms opened for your visits. These are Christopher, Simpson and Pietrzak. Rebecca Page, on the team with Carla Simpson, will be available for these students. Katie Mullins, on the team with April Christopher, will be available for these students. Tyler Abercrombie will be in the gym to greet all parents stopping by for a visit.
Volunteer training will be held in the cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. Please be sure to take advantage of this volunteer training session. We have planned our volunteer training opportunities early and hope you can join this one or our last one on October 13th in conjunction with Parent Conference afternoon.
Mr. Kyle Stelling, reading coach, will be leading a beginner’s session of Schoology training to assist parents. This session will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. We hope to see you there!
Our EEE PTO has a Skate Night planned for Thursday, September 22nd from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. at Roller Time Family Skate Center at 719 Ross Avenue. Parents and students are encouraged to join the PTO for this Family Skate Night! Parents are asked to stay with their children for this event.
The calendar in this edition of East End Elementary News highlights additional dates including Spirit Days on Fridays through January along with the Christmas Spirit Days as well as two upcoming field trips for first grade and Mrs. Behnke's classroom. We'll continue to update our calendar each week to keep you informed of school events and activities.
Hope everyone has a great week!
As always, thank you for your support of East End Elementary!
Tammy Day, principal
Join Us For Open House On Tuesday, September 20th from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
EEE PTO Skate Night On Thursday, September 22nd from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Disney Spirit Day On Friday, September 23rd
Pup Tales Preschool Storytime Sponsored by Women United Pickens County - Next Session is Friday, September 30th at 11:00 a.m.
Join us for Pup Tales on Friday, September 30th at 11:00 a.m. Thank you to Women United Pickens County for their grant that makes this possible! Our first session on August 3`1st was great! We cannot wait until we welcome our preschool friends aged 2 and up to this next session! It is going to be great! The attachment and video have information to assist you in planning to attend.
Upcoming Dates
Monday, September 19th - First Day for Good News Club at East End
Tuesday, September 20th at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting in Cafeteria
Tuesday, September 20th - Open House 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Parents, grandparents, guardians and guests are all invited to join us! Hope to see you at Open House!
Tuesday, September 20th at 5:30 p.m. - Volunteer Training In Cafeteria
Tuesday, September 20th at 6:30 p.m. - Schoology Training for Parents To Assist with Schoology - Please join us in the cafeteria. Mr. Kyle Stelling, reading coach, and others will be available to help you with Schoology.
Thursday, September 22nd from 6;00 - 8:00 p.m. - EEE PTO Skate Night at Roller Time Family Skate Center, 719 Ross Avenue, Easley, SC
Friday, September 23rd - Disney Spirit Day
Friday, September 30th - Wear Your Favorite Color From Heat To Toe Spirit Day
Thursday, October 6th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at Pickens County YMCA Begin
Friday, October 7th - Dress to Unimpress (Mismatched, tacky, sloppy) Day
Friday, October 7th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, October 7th at 8:15 a.m. - School Improvement Council in Mrs. Byars' GT Classroom
Monday, October 11th - School Holiday
Tuesday, October 11th - School Holiday
Thursday, October 13th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Thursday, October 13th - Parent Conference Afternoon 3:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 13th - Volunteer Training at 5:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria
Thursday, October 13th - Schoology Training for Parents at 6:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria
Friday, October 14th - Crazy Socks and Shoes Spirit Day
Tuesday, October 18th at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting In Cafeteria
Tuesday, October 18th - First Grade Field Trip to Denver Downs
Wednesday, October 19th - School Pictures Made
Thursday, October 20th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, October 21st - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, October 21st - Twin Day (Choose a partner and come dressed as twins) Spirit Day
Monday, October 24th - Friday, October 28th - Red Ribbon Week
Monday, October 24th - Wear Red Day for Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, October 25th - Camo Day for Red Ribbon Week
Wednesday, October 26th - Hat Day for Red Ribbon Week
Thursday, October 27th - Crazy Hair/Crazy Socks Day for Red Ribbon Week
Thursday, October 27th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, October 28th - Mrs. Behnke's Class To Denver Downs
Friday, October 28th - Superhero Day for Red Ribbon Week
Friday, October 28th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, October 28th - 11:00 a.m. - Pup Tales - Spooky Pookie - Preschoolers wear their costumes to this Preschool Pages Storytime sponsored by Women United Pickens County.
Thursday, November 3rd - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, November 4th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, November 4th - Farmers and Flannels Spirit Day
Friday, November 4th at 8:15 a.m. - School Improvement Council in Mrs. Byars' GT Classroom
Tuesday, November 8th - Election Day - School Closed
Wednesday, November 9th - 11:00 a.m. - Pup Tales Preschool Pages Storytime Sponsored by United Women Pickens County - Bear Says Thanks
Thursday, November 10th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, November 11th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, November 11th - USA Veterans Day (Wear Red, White and Blue) Day
Tuesday, November 15th at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting in Cafeteria
Thursday, November 17th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, November 18th - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA
Friday, November 18th - Workout Gear Spirit Day
Monday, November 21st - Friday, November 25th - School Closed - Thanksgiving Holidays
Thursday, December 1st - Make-Up Picture Day for School Pictures
Thursday, December 1st - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA - Late for Thursday group
Friday, December 2nd - Swimming Lessons for 2nd Graders at PCYMCA - Last Date for Thursday group
Friday, December 2nd at 8:15 a.m. - School Improvement Council in Mrs. Byars' GT Classroom
Friday, December 2nd - "Not a creature was stirring... (Dress like an animal) Spirit Day
Monday, December 5th - Friday, December 9th - African Drumming Artist In Residence, Susan Natale, For 5th Grade
Wednesday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. - Pup Tales Preschool Pages Storytime Sponsored by Women United Pickens County - I Think Grandpa Might be Santa
Friday, December 9th - “Let it Snow” Whiteout Spirit Day
Monday, December 12th - Holiday Headgear Spirit Day
Tuesday, December 13th - Toasty Tuesday- Turtlenecks and Ugly Sweaters Spirit Day
Tuesday, December 13th at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting in Cafeteria
Wednesday, December 14th Christmas Socks Spirit Day
Thursday, December 1th - “Long Winters Nap” (pajamas) Spirit Day
Friday, December 16th - Santa and His Helpers- Wear Christmas gear Spirit Day
Monday, December 19th - Friday, December 30th - School Closed - Christmas Holidays
Monday, January 2nd - Professional Development Day - No School For Students
Friday, January 6th - Winter Wonderland Blue-out (Wear blue from head to toe)Spirit Day
Friday, January 6th at 8:15 a.m. - School Improvement Council in Mrs. Byars' GT Classroom
Friday, January 13th - Hat Day
Monday, January 16th - Martin Luther King Holiday - School Closed
Tuesday, January 17th at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting in Cafeteria
Friday, January 20th - Inside Out Spirit Day
Friday, February 3rd at 8:15 a.m. - School Improvement Council in Mrs. Byars' GT Classroom
Monday, February 13th and Tuesday, February 14th - Digital Learning Make-Up Days
Tuesday, February 21st at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting in Cafeteria
Friday, March 3rd at 8:15 a.m. - School Improvement Council in Mrs. Byars' GT Classroom
Monday, March 13th and Tuesday, March 14th - School Holiday
Wednesday, March 14th - Professional Development Day - No School For Students
Tuesday, March 21st at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting in Cafeteria
Tuesday, April 4th - Spring Pictures Made
Friday, April 21st at 8:15 a.m. - School Improvement Council in Mrs. Byars' GT Classroom
Friday, April 7th - Digital Learning Make-Up Day
Monday, April 10th - Friday, April 14th - Spring Break Holidays
Tuesday, April 18th at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting in Cafeteria
Friday, May 5th at 8:15 a.m. - School Improvement Council in Mrs. Byars' GT Classroom
Tuesday, May 16th at 8:30 a.m. - PTO Meeting in Cafeteria
Thursday, May 25th - Half-Day
Friday, May 26th - Half Day - Last Day of School
Why Does Student Attendance Matter?
Why Does Attendance Matter?
September is Attendance Awareness Month in the United States. Our district’s leadership asked all schools to run attendance reports on August 31st to determine students who had missed two or more days and would be on track to be considered chronically absent since chronic absenteeism counts all days absent, excused or unexcused and make contact with the parents. Chronic absenteeism impacts a student’s ability to reach with success in their academic work. There is some misinformation in the community that better attendance results in more funding for the school or district. That is not correct. Daily membership (students enrolled) is used for funding from the state. Daily attendance is not used for funding. Students who miss 10% or more of the school year (which is the two day mark at August 31st) or miss more than 50% of the school day and are out for that day are considered chronically absent. Our concerns for daily attendance is that students have faced losses in their achievement since school closure in March, 2020. It is the concern of all parties (school, district, state, and federal offices) that students are not as successful if they are not in school. We need our students in class each day to assist them in reaching their full achievement and growth potential. Pre-arranged absences of past years is no longer an option in our SDPC attendance policy. It is our hope that families will schedule vacations during the various breaks that are in the year rather than during school days. Past research has shown that for every day absent a child has a gap of 2.5 days in the learning for the day missed. Each day matters. Each day connects to the progression of learning. A gap in attendance results in a gap with the learning. We appreciate your help in having students at school.. Truancy is another issue that is separate from chronic absenteeism. Truancy plans are required for students with unexcused absences of 3 consecutive days or a combination of five or more unexcused days. Information from the South Carolina Department of Education is copied below for your reference.
Chronic Absenteeism
Beginning with the 2017-18 school year, a new definition of “absent” will be used to identify students who are chronically absent. As part of the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act, districts and schools are required to report to the South Carolina Department of Education the number of students who are chronically absent each year. According to the United States Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR)/EdFacts, an absent student is one who misses 50 percent of the instructional day for any reason and regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused. In other words, students must attend class for at least half of the instructional day to be considered present for that day.
Using this new definition, the EdFacts requires states to report the number of students in each district and school who are absent at least 10% of the time during which they are enrolled in a particular school or district. More specifically, students who are enrolled in the same school for an entire academic year and miss 18 or more days (10 percent) will be considered chronically absent. The total number of chronically absent students will be included on district and school report cards and reported to the EdFacts.
Chronically absent: Any student in grade K-12 who misses 50 percent or more of the instructional day for any reason for 10 percent (or more) of the enrollment period.
- All types of absences contribute to chronic absenteeism:
- Excused Absences
- Unexcused Absences
- Suspensions
- A student is absent if he or she is not physically on school grounds and is not participating in instruction or instruction-related activities at an approved off-grounds location for the school day.
Truant: A student between the ages 6– 17 who has accumulated unexcused absences on three consecutive days or has accumulated a total of five or more unexcused absences during the academic year.
- Only full-day unexcused absences contribute to truancy.
- Excused absences and suspensions do not affect truancy
Source: Chronic Absenteeism - South Carolina Department of Education - 09/17/2022 6:26 PM (sc.gov)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school.
Red Ribbon Week - October 24 - 29, 2022
Red Ribbon Week Activities Preview
October 24 – 29, 2022
Monday 10-24: Wear Red Day- lifeskill/ Truthfulness and Trustworthyness. How can we always be honest and counted upon to make right decisions about being drug free/bully free? Students can wear as much red as they want.
Tuesday 10-25: Camo Day- lifeskill/ friendship. How we can make and keep friends by both encouraging and growing friendships while making good choices about drugs? Students will wear “Camo” to Join in the Hunt to find more drug free/bully free friends!
Wednesday 10-26: Hat Day- lifeskill/ responsibility. How can we always make responsible choices and appropriately respond in drug free/bully free situations? Students will wear their favorite hat. “Hats off” to respecting our right to be responsible at all times.
Thursday 10-27: Crazy hair/crazy socks day. Lifeskill/ sense of humor. How can we show others that we are serious about being drug free/bully free, and at the same time have fun with a sense of humor, showing the world we are comfortable/cool with our good choices?
Friday 10-28: Superhero day. Lifeskill/ cooperation. We all may have different superheros, but we have the same special FAMILY here when it comes to being drug free/bully free in our hearts and minds! Students wear their favorite teams’ items.
Swimming Lessons For Second Graders To Begin On October 6th
Good News Club To Begin On Monday, September 19th
The first day for Good News Club at East End will be Monday, September 19th. Original plans had them to start on Monday, September 12th. Our students will begin on Monday, September 19th. Parents are reminded to complete the registration forms prior to this date if you wish for your child to participate.
East End's Misson and Beliefs
Mission
Excelling in Academics
Encouraging Character
Embracing the Community
Seeking Success for all Students
Beliefs
Students are our first priority and are given equitable educational opportunities.
Education is the shared responsibility of parent, child, and teacher.
Learning and education must be life-long in order to prepare students for a successful future.
All people can learn and contribute to society in a unique and valuable way.
Cultural diversity promotes full development of the individual and society.
Arts, Music, and Enrichment Camp at Holly Springs Center on October 10th and October 11th
Calendar for 2022-2023 School Year
Volunteer Training At Open House on September 20th and One Last Time In Conjunction With Parent Conference Afternoon On October 13th
Link to September Menu
Red Ribbon Week at East End - October 24th - 28th
Red Ribbon Week Activities Preview
October -24 – 28, 2022
Monday 10-24: Wear Red Day- lifeskill/ Truthfulness and Trustworthyness. How can we always be honest and counted upon to make right decisions about being drug free/bully free? Students can wear as much red as they want.
Tuesday 10-25: Camo Day- lifeskill/ friendship. How we can make and keep friends by both encouraging and growing friendships while making good choices about drugs? Students will wear “Camo” to Join in the Hunt to find more drug free/bully free friends!
Wednesday 10-26: Hat Day- lifeskill/ responsibility. How can we always make responsible choices and appropriately respond in drug free/bully free situations? Students will wear their favorite hat. “Hats off” to respecting our right to be responsible at all times.
Thursday 10-27: Crazy hair/crazy socks day. Lifeskill/ sense of humor. How can we show others that we are serious about being drug free/bully free, and at the same time have fun with a sense of humor, showing the world we are comfortable/cool with our good choices?
Friday 10-28: Superhero day. Lifeskill/ cooperation. We all may have different superheros, but we have the same special FAMILY here when it comes to being drug free/bully free in our hearts and minds! Students wear their favorite teams’ items.
Celebrating Our Amazing East Enders!
COVID Information - Reporting Student Positives for COVID
What if my student is Positive for COVID-19?
A Positive COVID-19 test for a STUDENT must be reported on the Google Form as detailed below.
Any SDPC student that has tested positive for COVID will need to enter their information on the SDPC Student COVID Reporting Form.
· Please answer all the questions about your student's COVID circumstance.
· Please, do not send your student to school until you have heard from someone at the school. (this will be during work hours)
· Once the positive test result is reported, someone from the school will be back in touch with you with your student’s return to work date.
Link to September 12th East End Elementary News
Link To September 2nd Edition of East End Elementary News
Check out the East End Facebook Page for Updates And Information
Be sure to check out the East End Facebook page both now and over the summer for updates and information about EEE. You can locate the East End Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/East-End-Elementary-School-516098308484782
All About East End
Email: TammyDay@pickens.k12.sc.us
Website: eee.pickens.k12.sc.us
Location: 505 East 2nd Avenue, Easley, SC, USA
Phone: (864) 397-1700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/East-End-Elementary-School-516098308484782